A new furnace blower motor typically costs $170–$2,400 before installation. The blower motor serves as the heart of your furnace by circulating warm air throughout your home. When the blower motor fails, your home can lose heat and cause your furnace to constantly run, which can further damage the system.
In this guide, we explain how a furnace blower motor works, describe common signs of failure, and break down replacement costs. We also cover when replacing the entire furnace makes more financial sense than installing a new blower motor.
Key Takeaways
- Furnace blower motor replacement costs can range from $170–$2,400 for the unit itself, with professional installation adding $150–$250 in labor.
- Motor prices vary significantly by horsepower, with smaller 1/4-horsepower motors costing $100–$550 and larger 1-horsepower motors ranging from $250–$2,000, depending on the motor type and brand selected.
- Variable-speed, electronically commutated motors cost more upfront but offer better energy efficiency than cheaper, single-speed permanent split capacitor motors.
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What Impacts the Cost of a Furnace Blower Motor Replacement?
A residential furnace blower motor can cost anywhere from $170–$2,400 with installation. Below, we cover what exactly goes into replacement costs when your motor breaks.
Motor Type
Furnaces typically use either permanent split capacitor (PSC) motors or electronically commutated motors (ECM) motors. PSC motors use a simpler design and generally cost less to replace, while ECM motors cost more because they use advanced electronics to adjust their speed and reduce energy consumption. Comparatively, PSC motors cost around $575 on average while ECM motors cost around $875.
Your furnace model determines which motor types it can support, so compare compatible options and weigh the upfront cost against potential long-term energy savings.
Motor Speed
Another factor that impacts blower motor replacement costs is its speed capabilities. Blower motor speed affects your furnace’s energy use and overall performance. Motors typically come in three designs:
- Single-speed ($600): The least expensive option, these motors run at a constant speed, making them the noisiest and least energy-efficient. They also have fewer components and controls.
- Two-stage or multi-speed ($710): These offer better efficiency and noise reduction by operating at multiple speeds, which gives your furnace greater control over airflow and comfort.
- Variable-speed ($1,050): The most energy-efficient option, these motors automatically adjust speed to maintain optimal airflow and comfort. However, their advanced controls and components generally make them the most expensive option to replace.
Pro Tip
- Variable-speed motors offer significant efficiency advantages, says Richard Trethewey, This Old House’s heating and plumbing expert. “I’m such a fan of this type of furnace because so much of the heating season is those mild spring and fall days where you have low fan and low gas input, and that’s where variable-speed motors are really efficient.”
Motor Power
Motor strength is measured in horsepower. Higher horsepower motors can push air more effectively while running quieter than lower horsepower versions. Most residential furnaces only need a motor of between 1/4 and 1/2 horsepower, but larger homes may need up to 1 horsepower. In general, the more powerful the motor, the more it costs.
| Blower Motor Size | Average Cost |
|---|---|
|
1/4 horsepower |
$325 |
|
1/3 horsepower |
$450 |
|
1/2 horsepower |
$560 |
|
3/4 horsepower |
$838 |
|
1 horsepower |
$1,125 |
Note: The cost data featured in this guide is based on estimates from Angi, unless otherwise noted.
Installation and Labor
In addition to buying a new blower motor or furnace parts, you’ll also pay an HVAC contractor for the replacement work. You can expect to pay $150–$250 in labor for blower motor repair and replacement, but rates may vary depending on where you live and your chosen contractor. The process usually takes one to three hours and involves the technician inspecting the system, diagnosing the problem, removing the old motor and installing a new one, and testing the system.
If your furnace is in a hard-to-reach location, like a cramped crawl space or behind other appliances, expect higher labor costs. HVAC technicians typically charge by the hour, so the more time they spend accessing and servicing the unit, the higher your bill. Even if only a single part needs replacing, the difficulty of disassembling the motor can drive up costs.
Parts
In some cases, you can avoid a full replacement by repairing internal components rather than buying a new motor entirely. Some furnace brands are more high-end than others, which can impact the cost of replacement parts. If you decide to buy from a brand that’s different than your furnace, make sure it won’t void your system warranty.
Furnace blower motor components can vary widely in cost. To get an idea of what various parts cost, check out the chart below.
| Blower Component | Average Cost |
|---|---|
|
Belt |
$53 |
|
Bearing |
$98 |
|
Capacitor |
$30 |
|
ECM module |
$520 |
|
ECM repair kit |
$45 |
|
Housing |
$198 |
|
Pulley |
$145 |
|
Shaft |
$145 |
|
Thermostatic expansion valve |
$400 |
|
Wheel |
$163 |
If your HVAC system is still under warranty, you may only need to cover labor costs for repairs. Most warranties cover blower motor parts, but not installation. Attempting a do-it-yourself (DIY) repair could void your warranty, so it’s best to check the terms before proceeding.
Can You Replace Your Furnace Blower Motor Yourself?
You might feel tempted to save on installation costs by installing new blower motors yourself, but this usually isn’t a DIY job. Replacing this component requires experience with working on HVAC systems and high-voltage systems.
DIY Blower Motor Replacement
The DIY approach only makes sense if you have mechanical and electrical experience and you’re certain the blower motor is at fault. A new furnace is expensive, and you don’t want to shorten the lifespan of your system with improper repairs.
Professional Blower Motor Replacement
Hiring an HVAC company comes with extra labor costs, but technicians are trained, licensed professionals who have experience with many types of blower motors and furnace units. They can get the job done efficiently and correctly, and identify whether the whole motor needs replacing or if updating some of the internal components is a better option. Most HVAC pros also offer warranties or guarantees on their work in case something goes wrong later.
We especially recommend a professional if your furnace uses a complex ECM motor that requires special programming, or if your unit is under an active manufacturer’s warranty, since replacing the motor yourself can void the warranty.
How To Save on a Furnace Blower Motor Replacement
You can lower the overall cost of replacing a furnace blower motor with a few saving strategies.
- Catch the easy fixes first: Inspecting your furnace yourself can potentially save you from hiring a professional if your unit has a simple issue, like a clogged air filter or a bad capacitor.
- Check your warranty coverage: Before paying out for repairs of pocket, review your HVAC warranty to see if it covers the blower motor or its parts. Some warranties might even cover the entire cost of a new furnace if you need a replacement.
- Compare motor prices: If your warranty doesn’t cover a motor replacement, look for lower-cost brands of similar quality. You can possibly source parts yourself for less than what a contractor would charge.
- Schedule service before peak season: HVAC contractors often charge higher rates during the winter months. Testing your furnace before cold weather arrives allows you to schedule repairs and potentially save when demand is lower.
- Take advantage of rebates: Many local utility companies and manufacturers offer rebates on energy-efficient blower motors, helping offset the upfront cost.
Quick Tip
- Routine HVAC maintenance, like annual cleaning and furnace filter replacements, helps extend the lifespan of all components, including the blower motor. A well-maintained system is less likely to fail prematurely and leave you with costly repair bills.
Our Conclusion
While a new furnace blower motor can cost $170–$2,400, and professional installation adds to that cost, we recommend hiring a professional furnace repair technician to replace this important component. Although you’ll pay more in labor, using a pro helps protect the integrity of your furnace and ensures your motor is working correctly. We recommend getting quotes from at least three contractors before deciding on the best option for replacing your furnace blower motor.
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FAQs About Furnace Blower Motor Replacement
How long does a blower motor last?
Your furnace’s blower motor should last 10–20 years, which is about as long as the system itself. Proper maintenance can help ensure that both the blower motor and furnace last as long as possible.
What does a furnace blower motor do?
A forced-air furnace heats air by burning fuel like natural gas or heating oil. The furnace’s blower motor powers the fan that pushes this heated air through a home’s ductwork, distributing it throughout the house.
How do I know if my furnace blower is bad?
Here’s a list of signs that your furnace blower motor is going bad:
- Airflow from the vents is weak or nonexistent.
- The furnace makes rattling, squealing, or screeching noises.
- The furnace begins to overheat and you smell a burning odor.
- Your furnace shuts down frequently, leading to higher energy bills.
What’s the difference between an air conditioner and a furnace blower motor?
Blower motors fulfill the same function in both air conditioners and furnaces by moving treated air through ductwork. Both ensure that heating or cooling can happen throughout the house. If your furnace and air conditioner are combined in a packaged unit, the same blower motor will work for both.
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